Fèis Ìle 2025: What’s going on
If Islay is the whisky lover’s paradise, then Fèis Ìle is its biggest, boldest party. Every year, the island throws open its doors — and its distilleries — to welcome whisky fans from around the world.
The 2025 festival is set to run from Friday 23 May to Saturday 31 May, bringing a full-throttle mix of tastings, music, and mayhem.
No tickets are needed to join the general festivities; just get yourself to Islay and dive in. Each distillery, however, has its own events, and those do require booking. We’ve included links below, but note that some things are sold out already.
We’ve also recommended a whisky for each day if you can’t attend, so you can bring Islay to you (even though deep down you know nothing replaces the feeling of actually being there).
So, what’s on? Let’s break it down.
Fèis Ìle 2025: The Ultimate Whisky Festival Returns!
Friday 23 May – Fèis Ìle Opening Night
The festival kicks off in style with an evening of music, whisky, and that unmistakable Islay energy. Expect live performances, drams in abundance, and a warm island welcome to get you in the spirit (literally).
One of the highlights of Fèis Ile is heading here, and a Smoky Cokey is sure to greet you
Saturday 24 May – Lagavulin, Islay Rum & Islay Whisky Vault
Time to start as you mean to go on, with a dram in hand. Lagavulin’s legendary open day offers tastings, behind-the-scenes tours, and plenty of peaty goodness. Meanwhile, Islay Rum and Islay Whisky Vault will be serving up its own liquid treasures.
Whisky to try if you can’t attend so you can bring Islay to you even though deep down you know nothing replaces the feeling of actually being there: Lagavulin 16 Year Old Whisky.
Ticketed events:
The Islay Whisky Vault Open Day
The crowds at Bruichladdich at Fèis Ìle 2022
Sunday 25 May – Bruichladdich
If you like your whisky unpeated (or heavily peated with the Octomore range), Bruichladdich’s the place to be. Its open day is always one of the busiest, with tastings, masterclasses, and live music that keep the party going well beyond sunset.
Whisky to try if you can’t attend so you can bring Islay to you even though deep down you know nothing replaces the feeling of actually being there: Port Charlotte 10 Year Old Whisky.
Ticketed events:
Coastline, Seafood and Wildlife Tour
The beautiful Caol Ila Distillery
Monday 26 May – Caol Ila
Perched above the Sound of Islay, Caol Ila’s open day offers stunning views alongside delicious drams. Expect rare tastings, distillery tours, and an insight into their recent revamp.
Whisky to try if you can’t attend so you can bring Islay to you even though deep down you know nothing replaces the feeling of actually being there: Caol Ila Distillers Edition Whisky.
Ticketed events:
The Illicit Distillers Experience – Session 1
A Journey of Taste Walk with Mac-Talla
Whisky Nosing and music from North of the Bridge
Laphroaig never lets you down when it comes to festival time
Tuesday 27 May – Laphroaig & Port Ellen
Laphroaig’s open day is legendary. Cutting peat, singing sea shanties, drinking smoky whisky by the shore… It’s all happened with Laphroaig, and this year promises to be a belter all the same. Port Ellen, newly reborn, also joins the party. Expect a historic revival of one of Islay’s most famous names.
Whisky to try if you can’t attend so you can bring Islay to you even though deep down you know nothing replaces the feeling of actually being there: Laphroaig 10 Year Old Sherry Oak Finish Whisky.
Ticketed events:
The Indie Whisky Fèis Ìle – Session One
The Illicit Distillers Experience – Session 2
The Indie Whisky Fèis Ìle – Session Two
The Indie Whisky Fèis Ìle – Session Three
The beautiful Bowmore, Islay’s oldest distillery
Wednesday 28 May – Bowmore & Ardnahoe
Bowmore, the granddaddy of Islay whisky, throws a fantastic open day with exclusive releases and deep-dives into its historic vaults. Meanwhile, the new kids at Ardnahoe bring fresh excitement with its unique take on Islay single malt.
Whisky to try if you can’t attend so you can bring Islay to you even though deep down you know nothing replaces the feeling of actually being there: Ardnahoe Bholsa.
Ticketed events:
Pizza Paired Pours with Mac-Talla (2:00pm til 3:30pm)
The Illicit Distillers Experience – Session 3
Pizza Paired Pours with Mac-Talla (7:00pm til 8:30pm)
Robin Laing: A Whisky Flavoured Concert
Kilchoman, come for the whisky, stay for the cows
Thursday 29 May – Kilchoman
Islay’s farm distillery has offered intimate, hands-on experiences before with open fires, local food, and some cracking limited-edition releases to enjoy. Kilchoman is a rustic delight for those who love whisky made honestly.
Whisky to try if you can’t attend so you can bring Islay to you even though deep down you know nothing replaces the feeling of actually being there: Kilchoman Batch Strength Whisky.
Ticketed events:
The Club Tropic-Islay Bus Tour
Bunnahabhain looking beautiful on a clear day
Friday 30 May – Bunnahabhain & Jura
Bunnahabhain’s rugged, remote setting makes its open day an adventure in itself, with sherried drams and coastal magic. Over on Jura, the whisky (and the local deer population) will be out in force, proving that a short ferry ride is well worth the effort.
Whisky to try if you can’t attend so you can bring Islay to you even though deep down you know nothing replaces the feeling of actually being there: Bunnahabhain Toiteach a Dhà Whisky.
Ticketed events:
The Jarad Rowan Trio at Fèis Ìle
Ardbeg Distillery on Islay is top of the pops
Saturday 31 May – Ardbeg
The festival finale always goes out with a bang. Ardbeg’s open day is famous for its wild themes, crazy costumes, and whisky-fuelled revelry. Think live music, elaborate food pairings, and peaty perfection.
Whisky to try if you can’t attend so you can bring Islay to you even though deep down you know nothing replaces the feeling of actually being there: Ardbeg Corryvreckan Whisky.
Visit the beautiful Islay and see what all the fuss is about
The Last Drop: Fèis Ìle 2025 wrap-up
Fèis Ìle isn’t just a whisky festival. It’s a celebration of Islay. Live music, ceilidhs, seafood, and stunning coastal views abound.
Whether you’re peat-obsessed or a newbie looking to dip a toe in the dram-filled waters, there’s something for everyone. This is the whisky world’s most unmissable event.
So, book your ferry, pack your best tasting glass, and get ready: Fèis Ìle 2025 is waiting.
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